Carpal Tunnel Surgery
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
At MirAge Clinic, we understand that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a painful and sometimes debilitating condition that affects the median nerve located in the wrist. This nerve is like a vital highway, providing sensation and motor control to your hand. When the tunnel, formed by bones and ligaments, narrows due to swelling or other changes, it can lead to the classic symptoms of CTS.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes and Risk Factors
What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?
At MirAge Clinic, diagnosis involves a detailed discussion of your symptoms and a physical examination of your hand. We may conduct tests, such as nerve conduction studies, to measure how electrical impulses move through the carpal tunnel and to assess the function of the median nerve.
Treatments
Surgery
Carpal tunnel release surgery is a procedure we perform at MirAge Clinic to provide lasting relief from the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This surgery is typically brief, often taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete, and is conducted under local anesthesia, which means you’ll be awake but the area being operated on will be numb.During the procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision in the palm of your hand near the wrist. Through this incision, the transverse carpal ligament is cut to relieve the pressure on the median nerve. By dividing this ligament, we’re creating more space within the carpal tunnel and decreasing the pressure on the nerve. The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning you won’t have to stay overnight in the hospital. After the surgery, your hand will be bandaged, and you will be able to go home the same day.
How Soon After Treatment Will I Feel better?
What Are the Risks Of the Surgery?
Like all surgeries, carpal tunnel release comes with potential risks such as infection, nerve damage, and incomplete release of the ligament. However, these are rare, and our team at MirAge Clinic takes every precaution to minimize them.
Side Effects of Carpal Tunnel Surgery
While carpal tunnel release surgery at MirAge Clinic is a routine and typically successful procedure, as with any surgical intervention, there are potential side effects. One of the side effects that some patients may experience is a decrease in grip and pinch strength. This can occur due to the cutting of the transverse carpal ligament, which may affect the hand’s ability to grip as strongly as before. However, with proper aftercare and rehabilitation, many patients can regain strength over time. It is essential for patients to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including hand therapy if recommended, to optimize recovery of hand strength and function.
